Knee Pain Slowing You Down? A Podiatrist's Tips For How To Choose The Right Shoes

Great for everyday wear, these sustainable, stylish kicks from Cariuma are made with recycled plastics, sustainably-sourced natural rubber, and GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas. Unlike most casual sneakers, their vegan insoles provide arch support and cushion, so your feet and your body will stay comfortable all day long. What’s more, Cariuma (a Certified B Corp) plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of sneakers purchased.

The OCA Lows have a 4.85 out of 5-star rating overall, with over 6,800 reviews on the brand’s website. A few people with knee problems praise these shoes, including one reviewer who writes, “I have bad knees, but since I started wearing these shoes I’ve had no trouble with pain or swelling. They are comfortable and offer great support.” On the con side, some people say the soles of these shoes are a little squeaky on hard floors. There also isn’t a wide option available.

Allbirds Tree Runners are a lightweight sneaker made from responsibly-sourced eucalyptus fibers, recycled water bottles, and a Brazilian sugarcane midsole (the midsole is made with the world’s first carbon negative foam!). They’re breathable, thanks to the eucalyptus, and well-cushioned enough that you can cover some serious ground in them pain-free. Unfortunately, you won’t find these shoes in half sizes. If you’re between sizes, the brand recommends going up. These are also machine-washable, just be sure to follow the washing instructions carefully.

The Tree Runners have over 6,000 reviews on the brand’s website, and with an overall rating of 4.7 out of five. Many people with knee pain rave about these shoes, including one who writes, “I got my first pair of Allbirds recently, and shortly after a knee injury. The shoes have the right amount of cushion that I’ve needed to get walking again!” Just note that the Tree Runners are more flexible than they are sturdy, so if you’re someone with flat feet who needs a little more structure, they may not deliver. If they don’t work out, Allbirds has a no-questions-asked return policy where lightly worn shoes are donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit that helps donate unwanted shoes and clothing to those who need it.

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Asics are one of Sharkey’s top-recommended brands for relief from knee pain. The brand’s most popular support shoe is the Gel Kayano, a true favorite among runners, walkers, and folks who wear them to work. This newest model has generous-yet-lightweight midsole support and maximum cushion to absorb shock.They’re available in a ton of color options and some colors come in wide sizing as well.

Because shoe models evolve over time, fans tend to come and go. The Gel Kayanos seem to be an exception to that rule, though, with plenty of reviewers saying the shoe only gets better with each iteration. One person writes, “I have been wearing Kayanos since model 18, I won't be going to any other shoe of any brand unless they stop making these! When you find the perfect shoe (especially when you have knee pain), you stick with it.” Our commerce editor is an avid runner and used to wear these any time she'd feel knee pain creeping in.

On the other hand, some find the newer model too narrow. We recommend going up a half-size or considering the wide model, especially if you’re prone to toe pain or have bunions.

Another lightweight support shoe (and a pick from Sharkey), the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is super popular with runners of all levels. This shoe uses the brand’s GuideRails technology to keep your foot in alignment, offering a solid balance of support and cushion.

The brand also makes a strong effort toward sustainability, when compared with others in the space. This shoe specifically uses recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles, and the company has plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

With over 1,000 reviews on the brand’s website and nearly 7.000 on Amazon, you don’t have to look far to find a fan of these sneakers—myself (the writer) included! As a runner on city sidewalks, I’ve experienced knee pain when wearing other shoes, but never with the Adrenalines.

On a negative note, a ton of online reviewers complain that their Adrenalines have much shorter laces than other pairs they’ve tried. I haven’t experienced this personally, but I seem to be the minority. Additionally, there are mixed reviews about long-term durability. The silver lining: if you purchase your shoes through Brooks or a retail partner, the Run Happy promise lets you return or exchange your shoes, even after 90 days of wearing them. And if you haven’t worn them, you have a full year to return them.

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

This highly-recommended shoe from Sharkey is one of the brand’s most popular shoes. Cloud-like comfort and a breathable mesh upper makes this a top pick for a multitude of people, including those with knee pain. Like most of the brand’s shoes, the Cliftons have an extended heel and a shock-reducing design that keeps your stride smooth and reduces pressure on the knees. There’s also generous toe room for people with metatarsal pain or bunions, and the shoe is available in wide sizes as well. Just note, most Hokas run large. If you’re not sure about your size, it’s a safe bet to try a half-size down.

There’s no denying that this is a chunkier shoe. Still, most people find it surprisingly lightweight and plenty cushy—and there is a lot of great feedback from folks with knee pain. One reviewer writes, “I have consistently used them for every workout, not just running, and I have seen a significant reduction in pain in my back and knees. I would recommend these shoes to anyone and everyone!” However, some folks find the arch support to be too rigid on these shoes. If cushion is your main goal (over support), another Hoka pick to check out is their Bondi 8 shoe.

“Using a motion control shoe or a shoe with arch support will help to reduce knee discomfort for those with knee pain,” explains Sharkey—which leads us to another Brooks’ pick: the Addiction Walker. What these shoes may lack in the style department, they make up for in support and comfort. They’re a neutral, slip-resistant pick with extra cushioning for shock absorption and a structured design that’s great for flat-footed folks. With medium, narrow, wide, and extra wide sizing, you’re sure to find a model that works best for your feet.

The Addiction Walkers get solid reviews, mostly from walkers and people who wear these shoes to work. One writes, “These shoes have excellent medial support and, with the orthotics, help my feet stay better aligned, thus preventing some hip and knee pain.” On the con side, some folks mention that they’re a heavier shoe (probably due to the leather material) and a handful of people say they can be rather squeaky.

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

“Those with high arches struggle with shock absorption from initial contact between the foot and the ground. Cushioned shoes are best for helping with this,” Sharkey explains. A truly cushioned shoe, this design is super versatile and great for all types of feet—but especially for people with high arches who need that extra shock absorption.

An added sustainability perk: the breathable mesh upper is made from at least 50% recycled content and the midsole incorporates bio-based materials.

A lot of people love these shoes for their cloud-like comfort and breathability. One superfan writes, “They are so cushiony and help my knees a lot, plus they fit super well. Very true to size. I'm going to probably buy a few more pairs in multiple colors, that's how much I love them.” Some reviews warn that these run a little large, so if you’re in between sizes you may consider going down a half size.

These budget-friendly sneakers are comfortable and supportive, with an Ortholite sole made from PU foam and aerogel to help take the pressure off your knees. The toe box is quite roomy, and the materials are breathable and lightweight. What’s more, you’ll almost always find these shoes for under $70 (and sometimes under $50) on most sites.

Dare we say that these kicks have a cult following!? They’re especially popular on Amazon where they have 4.5 stars from over 70,000 ratings. A lot of people with knee problems love these shoes. One reviewer writes, “I love to walk, but knee pain was stopping me from doing it as much as I like. The support and cushioning in these shoes seems to have solved that problem for me.” Some considerations: several people also mention that they run large, and a couple reviews we read suggest they could use more traction on the bottom.

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

If you have achy knees, your options for dress shoes can feel quite slim. These loafers are a classy, pain-free way to elevate your outfit. They have quilted insoles with seven layers of comfort material, including memory foam for added arch support. Plus, the no-slip rubber sole offers exceptional traction. The Starlings come in a wide variety of colors and styles, including calf hair, velvet, and suede—just note, the price varies by material.

These loafers have over 20,000 reviews on the Birdies website and 4.7 out of five stars overall. Most reviewers can’t say enough about the quality and comfort of these shoes, and there’s a lot of feedback from people with knee pain. One person writes, “I have had my Birdies for almost a month and I wear them almost everyday to the office. They are extremely comfortable, trendy and don’t leave my ankles, knees or feet hurting after a long day.” Most wearers will probably find these shoes more comfortable than the average flat, but some reviews suggest that people with super high arches might need more support.

For a quality leather shoe that also prioritizes your foot and knee health, look no further than Amberjack. Think: business on the outside, comfort on the inside. The brand partners with a reputable tannery in Portugal to combine quality leather shoes with techy foam insoles that use heat to mold to your feet. You can choose from full-grain leather or suede, and select from a handful of different colors. Unfortunately, there are no vegan leather options at this time.

With 4.8 out of 5 stars and over 1,000 reviews, people really love Amberjacks’ Originals. One person writes, “I teach, so I stand all day and I have to have professional looking shoes. This is the first pair I have found that look nice but don't make my feet and knees sore at the end of a long day.” Some negative reviews say the shoe colors are inconsistent with what’s on the website, and some reviews are mixed about sizing. But most people who had issues with their order say customer service went above and beyond to make things right.

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.